On April 11, Fourier Intelligence, a pioneering company in the field of general-purpose robotics, officially launched its first open-source humanoid robot—the Fourier N1. The announcement quickly became a hot topic within the robotics industry, drawing widespread attention and acclaim.
A Groundbreaking Open-Source Initiative
Alongside the release of the Fourier N1, the company also unveiled a comprehensive suite of open-source resources, including a bill of materials, detailed design schematics, assembly guides, and basic operation software. This bold move has created a stir among global robotics and embodied intelligence developers. As the first cornerstone in the “nexus open-source ecosystem” meticulously built by Fourier, the N1 serves as a powerful enabler of frontier technologies. It provides a robust, open foundation for innovation, aiming to accelerate cutting-edge developments such as generalized motion controller design, multi-modal model integration, and exploration of the future forms of embodied agents.
Innovative Design, Outstanding Performance
The Fourier N1 stands out with its compact hardware architecture. Standing at 1.3 meters tall and weighing 38 kilograms, the robot features 23 degrees of freedom across its body, granting it remarkable agility. Its body structure harmoniously combines aluminum alloy for strength and engineering plastic for flexible joint movement. The swappable battery, mounted on the back, provides over 2 hours of continuous movement, catering to both frequent lab testing and real-world application deployments.
At the heart of its power system is the in-house developed FSA2.0 integrated actuator, paired with Fourier’s proprietary control system. This combination significantly boosts the robot’s motion stability, shock resistance, and precision in posture control. According to rigorous testing, the N1 can stably run at speeds up to 3.5 meters per second while maintaining fluid, controlled movements. Impressively, it can navigate complex terrains and perform high-difficulty maneuvers such as walking on 15°–20°slopes, climbing 20 cm steps, standing on one foot, and push-up-style get-ups. The N1 has already accumulated over 1,000 hours of outdoor terrain testing and has achieved a single-session continuous operation time exceeding 72 hours, demonstrating its structural stability, durability, and environmental adaptability.
Vision Behind the Development and Future Prospects
Cai Yusheng, Director of Product Development at Fourier, shared his vision for the open-source initiative with optimism. He noted the team’s mission to create a platform that supports professionals, hobbyists, and students alike. Traditional development models often suffer from barriers to innovation and collaboration, and the industry has long lacked cohesion. With the rise of the open-source community, these limitations can be overcome. The transparency offered by shared hardware designs can help streamline the loop from concept to application.
Fourier has already built a technology-sharing platform—Fouriernexus—rooted in core robotic body technologies and extending to algorithm development, hardware manufacturing, and commercial deployment. Looking ahead, the company plans to gradually open access to more key modules, including full-body control systems and multi-task coordination components, further expanding the boundaries of humanoid robotics.
Expert Endorsements and Global Impact
Industry experts have praised the Fourier N1 for its timely debut. A senior analyst at a prominent robotics research institute stated that the open-source approach marks a milestone at a pivotal point in humanoid robot development. On one hand, it significantly lowers the barrier to entry, drawing in fresh talent; on the other, it leverages collective global intelligence to accelerate technology cycles, potentially ushering in a new era of rapid industry growth.
Since its launch, the Fourier N1 has sparked enthusiastic responses worldwide. Robot enthusiasts and developers have flooded technical forums and social media with insights and excitement. One embodied AI researcher from the U.S. remarked that the open-source package was the perfect foundation for his upcoming projects and expressed eagerness to begin experimenting. A robotics lab director at a Chinese university shared plans to purchase several N1 units for teaching and research purposes, aiming to use the platform to cultivate the next generation of robotics talent.
The debut of the Fourier N1 marks a dynamic new chapter for the humanoid robot industry. Its open-source strategy is like a stone thrown into a still lake, set to create far-reaching ripples that invite broader participation, drive faster technological advancement, and paint a more vibrant picture of the intelligent future ahead.
